GBMC HealthCare Recognized as LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer

A common theme of this blog is the importance of access to equitable and inclusive healthcare, which is in line with our vision of providing ALL patients with the care we would want for our own loved ones. We also extend this sentiment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for our entire team. Every patient, their loved ones, and our staff should feel safe, comfortable, and welcome within our health system. 

Recognizing that healthcare is a human right, we constantly strive to enhance the quality of experiences for all our staff and patients, including our LGBTQ+ community. One of the ways we work toward this is by participating in the Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The HEI is the national LGBTQ+ benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities’ policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees. 

We are honored to have recently been recognized as an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” by the HEI. This designation highlights our commitment to maintaining welcoming policies and practices as our standard. 

The HEI survey assesses various factors, including health disparities reduction plans, the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity-related (SOGI) data and preferred pronouns in electronic health records, and the provision of benefits and resources that encourage an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace. It also evaluates staff education and policies related to bias elimination and fostering respectful interactions. 

While we acknowledge that there is always more work to be done, I am proud of the significant strides we have made in creating a better environment for LGBTQ+ patients, their loved ones, and our staff. Notable areas of strength for GBMC HealthCare include our non-discrimination policies, comprehensive staff training, patient identification processes and the collection of SOGI data. Additionally, we offer transgender-inclusive health insurance, ensuring our benefits are comprehensive and equitable. 

Our longest-standing employee resource group (ERG), Greater Pride, continues to play a crucial role in outreach and support within our workforce and the greater Baltimore community. Their efforts, alongside those of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team, led by Chief Diversity and Learning Officer Lisa Walker and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager Angela Wu, ensure we continuously learn and improve. 

We are grateful for the recognition as an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” and remain committed to making ongoing improvements. As we move into Pride Month and reflect on the meaning of this designation, I encourage us all to consider how we can continue to champion inclusive care and create a welcoming environment for all. 

APIDA Heritage Event 

May is Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month! This year, our focus for the APIDA heritage event was the South Asian region and included a keynote address from Dr. Niroshi S. Rajapakse from Gilchrist, Indian dance performance and instruction, and a delicious feast of South Asian food. Thank you to our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion planning committee for hosting another fabulous and educational event for our workforce – and for testing out a new time to be inclusive of evening shifts and those who aren’t able to attend lunchtime celebrations!